Regina Troy Barrios

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Zapaca Rum

<p>When it comes to rum, few names carry the weight of <strong>Zacapa</strong>. Born in the lush highlands of Guatemala and consistently hailed as the world’s most awarded rum, Zacapa is celebrated for its craftsmanship, depth, and unmistakable elegance. Now in Manila for the first time, this storied spirit finds its way into the city’s most discerning bars and lounges—so we’ve mapped out exactly where you can raise a glass.</p><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:900px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1756696972559Workbench Thumbnail.jpg" style="width:900px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/><span class="fr-inner">Elegance poured: Zacapa bottles and cocktails steal the spotlight | Photo: Zacapa Rum</span></span></span></div><h3><strong>A spirit born above the clouds</strong></h3><p>Zacapa isn’t just aged—it’s elevated. Picture this: barrels of rum resting 2,300 meters above sea level in the crisp mountain air of Quetzaltenango, a detail that makes even the most seasoned rum drinker take notice. This altitude slows the aging process, allowing each drop to soak in the character of French oak, sherry, and Pedro Ximénez casks. The result is a rum with a silky texture, a richness that unfolds with every sip, and a balance that feels almost impossible for a spirit this young to achieve.</p><p>Every bottle carries the Petate Band<strong></strong>, a handwoven emblem rooted in Mayan tradition. It’s more than decoration—it’s a tangible reminder that what you’re holding is the product of centuries of artistry, culture, and heritage. Even your Instagram story could use a touch of Mayan elegance.</p><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:900px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1756697015837ZCPreedit-72.jpg" style="width:900px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/><span class="fr-inner">Guatemalan women weave tradition into every Petate Band | Photo: Zacapa Rum</span></span></span></div><h3><strong>Craft, not compromise</strong></h3><p>From the very first drop, Zacapa makes an impression. Made from virgin sugarcane honey rather than molasses, it delivers a natural sweetness and a texture that practically glides across the palate. Pineapple-derived yeast lends tropical aromatics, while the Solera System—the meticulous process of blending rums of varying ages across different barrels—creates layers of complexity that unfold like a story in every sip.</p><p>At the helm of this alchemy is Lorena Vásquez, one of the world’s few female master blenders. She oversees every step, ensuring that each expression delivers the elegance and depth that have made Zacapa a global benchmark.</p><p>Two signature variants are now available locally:</p><div><br/></div><ul style="list-style-type:disc"><li style="margin:0px;line-height:normal;color:rgb(0, 0, 0)">Zacapa No. 23 – A blend of rums aged 6 to 23 years, with notes of caramel, vanilla, apricot, and spiced ginger. Smooth enough to sip on its own, but adventurous enough to pair with aged cheese.</li><li style="margin:0px;line-height:normal;color:rgb(0, 0, 0)">Zacapa XO – A luxurious blend aged up to 25 years and finished in French oak cognac barrels. Layers of dried fruit, roasted nuts, and warm spice make it a rich, indulgent experience.</li></ul><div><br/></div><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:900px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1756697232600Scene4_ZacapaNo23_ZacapaXO_042_FRONT_FOCUS.jpg" style="width:900px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/><span class="fr-inner">Zacapa 23 and XO now elevate Manila’s sipping scene | Photo: Zacapa Rum</span></span></span></div><h3><strong>Manila rolls out the red carpet</strong></h3><p>When Zacapa landed in Manila, it didn’t just arrive—it made an entrance. On August 7, VIPs gathered at Incanta Cave Bar for an intimate dinner led by Lorena Vásquez and Global Brand Ambassador Vanessa Leon. Imagine a room where the air smells faintly of honeyed rum, where each dish by Michelin Guide Chef Frances Tariga complements the drinks, and where cocktails like the XO Cloud Cradle and 23 Highlands redefine what a rum cocktail can do. The highlight? The Zacapa Spiced Daiquiri, crafted by Ralph Allen Santos, World Class Philippines 2025 Bartender of the Year—a drink that proves Zacapa shines neat, on the rocks, or in inventive form.</p><p>The celebrations continued on August 8 at Medusa at The Palace, transformed into a mini House Above the Clouds. Manila’s top tastemakers wandered through immersive displays, sampling elevated cocktails while exploring the story, craft, and heritage behind each bottle. By the end of the night, it didn’t feel like a launch—it felt like a passport to the Guatemalan highlands, one sip at a time.</p><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:900px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1756697267761Zacapa_Stills_SGR_EspressoMartini_RGB_uncropped.jpg" style="width:900px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/><span class="fr-inner"> Zacapa pours elegance in every glass, story in every bottle | Photo: Zacapa Rum</span></span></span></div><h3><strong>Where to sip Zacapa in Manila</strong></h3><p>Lucky for you, the adventure doesn’t have to end with the launch. Zacapa is now available at Medusa, Incanta, select leading bars, and major supermarkets across Manila. Whether you’re drawn to the XO’s layered richness, the No. 23’s spiced elegance, or a bespoke cocktail by a talented bartender, every pour invites you to slow down and savor the craft behind it. Luxury isn’t just in the drink—it’s in the moments you make with it.</p>

<p>The world’s most awarded rum, Zacapa, has finally arrived in Manila—here’s where to sip this Guatemalan icon.</p>

The world’s most awarded rum, Zacapa, has finally arrived in Manila—here’s where to sip this Guatemalan icon.

The World’s Most Awarded Rum Lands In Manila, Here's Where To Sip It

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The World’s Most Awarded Rum Lands In Manila, Here's Where To Sip It

Metro.Style Team

Published Aug 26, 2025 11:35 AM PHT

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Updated Sep 01, 2025 11:33 AM PHT

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